John P. Smith JOHN (JON) P. SMITH, AGE 40 OF DEFIANCE, OHIO. On Wednesday, April 8, 2008 at 4:20 A:M, Jon completed his journey on earth and passed to eternal life. He has battled melanoma cancer since 2004. He finished his battle at the Inpatient Hospice Center of Defiance, where he received the most excellent care. Jon was born December 7, 1968 to Donald and Hazel Smith and was lifelong resident of Defiance. He was a medically retired employee of General Motors where he was employed for about 14 years. On March 22, 2005 he married Anita Thomas, who survives him. Jon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Hibbert Stiltner and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Smith, also a brother Teddy. Along with his beloved wife, Jon is survived by a stepson Cody Kirk; a daughter Angelina; his parents; 5 brothers Duane of Florida, Tony, Donnie, Joshua and Jeremey of Defiance; Nieces and Nephews and a host of loving friends, including the band "SALIVA", who so graciously came to Defiance to perform for a benefit for Jon. Unfortunately, due to the storm, the show had to repeated. With the expenses of doing two shows using most of the same tickets, Jon was actually left with a deficit of $6,800. While disappointed with the outcome, Jon was still happy to have given something to his community - Celebrities of this magnitude coming to a small town like Defiance. His family would once again like to thank all the Bands, those who worked, and those who supported him in any way. While Jon never accumulated any wealth in his life, he left this world a millionaire when it came to love. He will be sadly missed. Visitation will be at the Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home from 6-8 Thursday night, 2-8 Friday and 9-11 Saturday. Services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 11:00 in the funeral home with the Reverends Larry Grow and Monty Moore officiating. Final resting place will be at Riverside Cemetery. Jon's nephew and friends will serve as pallbearers. Preferred memorials are requested to go to the Inpatient Hospice Center of Defiance or to Jon's family.